Word
mossy
UK/mˈɒsi/
Definition
adj. Covered with soft green moss, like old stones in a damp forest.
adj. Covered with or resembling moss, typically describing damp, shaded surfaces where moss grows.
Examples
“The old stone wall looks green and mossy.”
“We sit on the mossy steps behind the church to eat lunch in the shade.”
“The mossy roof of the abandoned cottage sagged under years of rain, blending almost completely into the surrounding woodland.”
Examples
simple
“The old stone wall looks green and mossy.”
contextual
“We sit on the mossy steps behind the church to eat lunch in the shade.”
complex
“The mossy roof of the abandoned cottage sagged under years of rain, blending almost completely into the surrounding woodland.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “mossy” in context.
Verb
01. become mossy
“Old garden statues quickly become mossy in damp shade.”
verb + adj
02. feel mossy
“The cave walls felt mossy and cold to the touch.”
verb + adj
03. grow mossy
“Untouched paths grow mossy after weeks of rain.”
verb + adj
04. look mossy
“The cottage roof looks mossy after the rainy autumn.”
verb + adj
Adjective
05. densely mossy
“The forest floor was densely mossy and springy underfoot.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. mossy bank
“We picnicked on a soft mossy bank by the river.”
adj + noun
07. mossy boulder
“She sat on a large mossy boulder to paint the valley.”
adj + noun
08. mossy log
“A mossy log lay across the forest path.”
adj + noun
09. mossy rock
“He slipped on a wet mossy rock near the waterfall.”
adj + noun
10. a damp mossy stone wall
“A damp mossy stone wall surrounded the old garden.”
11. climb over mossy boulders
“We climbed over mossy boulders to reach the waterfall.”
12. covered in mossy green growth
“The ancient ruins were covered in mossy green growth.”
Etymology
From Middle English mossy, equivalent to moss + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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